The spelling of the word "towheadeds" may seem confusing to some. It is pronounced /toʊˈhɛdədz/, with the stress on the second syllable. The word is derived from the term "towhead," meaning someone with light-colored or white hair. The addition of "-ed" and "-s" turns it into an adjective, meaning "having tow-colored hair." While it may be an unusual word, it is still used in literature and everyday language, particularly in the southern United States.
The word "towheaded" is derived from the combination of two roots: "tow" and "head".
The term "tow" originally referred to the coarse, unprocessed fibers of flax or hemp, often used for making rope or fabric. Over time, "tow" came to refer specifically to the light-colored fibrous material, resembling flax fibers, that is sometimes found in the hair of young children. This light-colored hair is usually pale yellow or blond and can appear wispy or untamed.
The word "head" simply refers to the part of the human body where the hair grows.
By combining "tow" with "head", the word "towheaded" came into existence to specifically describe someone, usually a child, with light-colored, blond, or whitish hair.